IPL 2024: Cyberabad police bust online Cricket betting syndicate, arrest bookies, punters
Having acquainted themselves with over 40 punters in the city, the accused attracted them to place bets on IPL matches
- City News
Anusha Puppala- Updated On:8 April 2024 4:02 PM GMT
HYDERABAD: In a joint operation, the Cyberabad SOT Rajendranagar team and RC Puram police apprehended online cricket betting bookies and punters and seized property worth Rs. 37,84,918 on Monday.
Upon investigation, it was found that Rama Krishna Goud and Upender Goud, who are brothers, were organising online cricket betting through the website during ongoing IPL 2024 matches.
They approached known punters and collected payments via UPI/cash for every match, including the T20 matches held on April 7, 2024, between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, and Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
Having acquainted themselves with over 40 punters in the city, they attracted them to place bets on IPL matches.
Acting on credible information, the SOT Rajendranagar team and RC Puram police apprehended five including M. Ramakrishna Goud at Beeramguda Kaman, RC Puram, under the jurisdiction of the RC Puram police station.
Upon his confession, another accused, Upender Goud, was apprehended, and cash amounting to Rs. 18,50,000 was seized, along with Rs. 18,34,918 found in different bank accounts received from punters. Additionally, four mobile phones were seized from their possession. All bank accounts used for online betting were frozen.
A case was registered under Cr. No. 218/2024, u/s Sec 3&4 of the Telangana Gaming Act, at the RC Puram police station.
The main accused individuals, Mogiligidda Ramakrishna Goud (Bookie), Mogiligidda Upender Goud (Sub-Bookie), Thalari Srinivas (Punter), and Bandi Vinay Kumar (Punter), have been arrested. Additionally, three other accused individuals, including Anji (Punter - Absconding), Chandram (Punter - Absconding), and Dora (Resident of Kukatpally, And Others - Punters - Absconding), are currently absconding.
Cyberabad issues advisory against Cricket betting
- The allure of quick profits and the digitalization of cricket betting have ensnared many individuals, leading to a harmful cycle of addiction and financial loss. Ultimately, it's the bookies who profit while punters suffer losses.
- Stay vigilant regarding certain mobile apps known for facilitating cricket betting, including Bet 365, MPL, Betway, Dream Guru, My 11 Circle, Coral, Bwin, 777 Bet, Dafabet, Winner, Cricket Betting 2020, Just Bet, Betfred, and Lotus Cricket Line.
- There's a risk of cyber theft targeting bank accounts and personal data, potentially resulting in unauthorised money transfers and blackmailing using personal information or photos.
- Victims of cricket betting losses often resort to desperate measures like taking hand loans or selling their property to repay bookies, exacerbating their financial troubles.
- Citizens are urged to report any information related to cricket betting organisers, bookies, or punters to the police via Dial 100 or Cyberabad WhatsApp Number 9490617444. Informants' identities will be kept confidential.
